HARRISBURG, PA — With a significant winter storm expected to sweep across the Commonwealth early Friday morning, state transportation officials are advising Pennsylvanians to prepare for hazardous travel conditions.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) issued a joint advisory Tuesday, urging motorists to monitor forecasts and avoid unnecessary travel once the storm begins.
"With Friday being a heavy holiday travel day, it's important that folks keep an eye on the weather when making travel plans," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
What to Expect
Current forecasts predict a mix of winter weather starting in the early hours of Friday, December 26:
Snow: Expected primarily in the North Central, Northeast, and Eastern regions.
Ice/Freezing Rain: Potential for prolonged periods of freezing rain and icing in the Northwest and Central regions.
Travel Impact: Officials warned that even pre-treated roads can become slick. Bridges and highway ramps are especially prone to freezing first.
Potential Restrictions
To ensure safety and allow plow crews to work effectively, PennDOT and the PA Turnpike may implement speed reductions (typically 45 mph) and vehicle restrictions (such as bans on double trailers, empty trucks, or motorcycles) on major interstates throughout the duration of the storm.
Travel Tools
Motorists are encouraged to use 511PA, the state’s free 24-hour traveler information service, before heading out. The platform provides:
Access to over 1,200 traffic cameras.
Color-coded winter conditions for 2,900 miles of roadway.
Real-time traffic speeds and delay warnings.
TRAVEL TIP: If you must travel, PennDOT reminds drivers to pack an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, blankets, and a small shovel. Under state law, drivers must also clear all snow and ice from their vehicles before hitting the road.
